About Your Coded Wire Tagged Salmon (Note: Tag recovery information from the 2014 ocean seasons is now available; posted recoveries from 2014 should be considered as preliminary and are expected to be updated again by early summer 2015)

7/09/15 ACTION NOTICE (1 of 2) - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.

ACTION TAKEN: The commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, July 10 through Tuesday, July 14 (and each subsequent Friday through Tuesday until further notice), with open period landing and possession limits of 75 Chinook Salmon and 50 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon in the areas south of the Queets River, or 60 Chinook Salmon and 50 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon from areas north of the Queets River. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR.

NOTES AND RATIONALE: The first open period with a 50 Chinook landing and possession limit resulted in an estimated 2,569 Chinook being landed out of the quota of 26,800 (9.6% of the quota). Bumping up the Chinook open period limits slightly should help to insure that the fishery has adequate opportunity to catch the Chinook quota. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.

7/9/15 ACTION NOTICE (2 of 2) - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery within the Oregon Klamath Management Zone in the area from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border.

ACTION TAKEN:

The July quota in Humbug Mt. to OR/CA border is increased from 1,000 Chinook to 1,184 Chinook with the impact neutral rollover of the remaining June quota to the July period.

NOTES AND RATIONALE: The landings in June from the commercial troll salmon fishery from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border were estimated to total 1,528 Chinook out of the total June quota of 1,800 fish. This left a remainder of 272 Chinook from the June quota which modeled to an impact neutral rollover on age-4 Klamath River fall Chinook of 184 Chinook in July.

6/25/15 UPDATE and ACTION- Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries has provided notice that the retention of Pacific halibut caught incidental to the commercial salmon fishery by fishers holding IPHC licenses will continue after June 30 with no change in landing limits or other restrictions, until further notice.

6/25/15 ACTION NOTICE (1 of 3) - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.

ACTION TAKEN:

The commercial salmon fishery from the Queets River, WA to Cape Falcon, OR will close to all commercial troll salmon fishing effective 11:59 PM Thursday, June 25.

Vessels must land and deliver all catch within 24 hours of this closure.

RATIONALE: During the last week fishing conditions and Chinook salmon availability resulted in a spike in catches, most notably just off Westport, WA. Estimated total landings are very close to the overall quota of 40,200 Chinook. With limited remaining days, any remainder from this quota will be transferred to the July 1- September 22 season on an impact neutral basis.

6/25/15 ACTION NOTICE (2 of 3) - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery within the Oregon Klamath Management Zone in the area from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border.

ACTION TAKEN:

The commercial troll salmon fishery from Humbug Mt., OR to the OR/CA border will close to all commercial salmon troll fishing at 11:59 PM, Friday, June 26.

Vessels must land and deliver all catch within 24 hours of this closure within this area or into Port Orford.

Mandatory reporting of delivery for all landings from this fishery at 541/867-0300 x252 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing.

RATIONALE: As of Wednesday night an estimated 1,424 Chinook have been landed out of the June quota of 1,800, leaving 376 Chinook remaining. Although landings in the most recent three days have averaged 360 Chinook per day, weather conditions on Thursday and Friday are expected to significantly reduce participation by boats for the remaining open time period. Any Chinook remaining from the June quota will be added to the 1,000 Chinook July quota for this area on an impact neutral basis.

6/25/15 ACTION NOTICE (3 of 3) - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the upcoming July opening of the commercial troll salmon fishery within the Oregon Klamath Management Zone in the area from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border.

ACTIONS TAKEN:

The commercial troll salmon fishery from Humbug Mt., OR to the OR/CA border will open for all salmon except coho during the month of July with the following season structure:

Open July 1-2 with a daily landing and possession limit of 15 Chinook per boat per day.

Closed July 3-4.

Open July 5 through the earlier of quota or July 31 with a daily landing and possession limit of 25 Chinook per boat per day.

Vessels must land and deliver all catch within 24 hours of any closure in this fishery, and all fish must be landed within the area or into Port Orford.

Mandatory reporting of delivery for all landings from this fishery at 541/867-0300 x252 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing.

RATIONALE: The July quota of 1,000 Chinook was not considered sufficient to open the season as scheduled without a substantial risk of exceeding the quota prior to fishery managers being able to take action. By opening for July 1-2 with a low daily limit, the troll fishery is expected to be able to supply fresh salmon to the local markets for the holiday weekend. By then delaying the remaining opening until Sunday, July 5; fishery managers will be able to track landings in a timely manner and avoid exceeding the July quota.

6/18/15 ACTION NOTICE - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.

ACTIONS TAKEN:

The commercial salmon fishery from Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon will reopen to commercial salmon troll fishing for all salmon except coho at 12:01 AM, Friday, June 19. The fishery will be open on a Friday through Tuesday cycle through the earlier of June 30 or additional action.

Vessels are limited to an open period landing and possession limit of 80 Chinook per vessel, and must land and deliver all catch within 24 hours of any closure in this fishery.

Vessels in possession of salmon caught between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR. Mandatory reporting of delivery for all landings into Oregon at 541/867-0300 x271 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing.

RATIONALE: Approximately 9,550 Chinook have been harvested from the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area out of the spring maximum cap for this area of 15,000, leaving 5,450 Chinook remaining at this time. In addition, out of the total quota, there are 15,360 Chinook remaining. The remaining cap is expected to be sufficient to support this opening, and managers will revisit the fishery early next week to evaluate whether changes need to be made to the final potential open period.

6/4/15 ACTION NOTICE - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.

ACTIONS TAKEN:

The commercial salmon fishery from Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon will reopen to commercial salmon troll fishing for all salmon except coho at 12:01 AM, Friday, June 5. The fishery will be open on a Friday through Tuesday cycle through the earlier of June 30 or additional action.

Vessels are limited to an open period landing and possession limit of 40 Chinook per vessel, and must land and deliver all catch within 24 hours of any closure in this fishery.

Vessels in possession of salmon caught between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR. Mandatory reporting of delivery for all landings into Oregon at 541/867-0300 x271 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing.

RATIONALE: Approximately 9,800 Chinook have been harvested from the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area out of the spring maximum cap for this area of 15,000. By limiting vessels to no more than 40 Chinook per open period, the fishery can continue for this open period without risk of exceeding the cap. Fishery managers will reevaluate the landings next week to determine if changes to the landing cap are needed prior to the next scheduled open period.

5/28/15 ACTION NOTICE - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.

ACTION TAKEN:

The commercial salmon fishery from Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon will close to all commercial salmon troll fishing at 11:59 PM, Friday, May 29. All salmon caught within this area must be landed and delivered no later than 11:59 PM, Saturday, May 30.

Vessels in possession of salmon caught between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR. Mandatory reporting of delivery for all landings into Oregon at 541/867-0300 x271 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing.

Next week, fishery managers will discuss the potential for reopening this area on Friday-Tuesday open periods with landing limits.

4/24/15 ACTION NOTICE: The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission met today in Bend, Oregon and took action to adopt the suite of ocean recreational and commercial troll salmon seasons that were recently adopted by the Pacific Fishery Management Council for waters within 3 nautical miles of shore. In addition, a number of terminal area recreational and commercial fall Chinook seasons were adopted by the Commission for ocean waters adjacent to Tillamook Bay, the Elk River, and the Chetco River.

4/15/15 ACTION NOTICE: The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has adopted a set of final ocean salmon fishery seasons. These seasons must still be approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Secretary of the Department of Commerce, as well as the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission before becoming law. The final PFMC proposed commercial and sport regulations are available on the PFMC website at http://www.pcouncil.org/2015/04/36482/draft-council-adopted-salmon-management-measures2015/

A graphic summary of the commercial seasons proposed off Oregon is available: Oregon Troll Seasons (pdf). Troll fishers are advised to make sure to print and review the full regulation package from the PFMC website prior to fishing.

3/11/15 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of Oregon, and fishery representatives has taken the following in-season management action to modify the previously scheduled March 15 commercial troll Chinook Salmon opening off Oregon:

The area between Cape Falcon and the Oregon/California Border will NOT open for commercial troll salmon fishing for the period of March 15 through March 31. The area will open for commercial troll for Chinook Salmon fishing within this area for the period of April 1 - 30. Fishery managers agreed that this was needed to reduce impacts on Klamath River fall Chinook in order to provide more flexibility in the other season options that are under development. Vessels are limited to no more than four spreads per wire; hooks are restricted to single point, single shank barbless hooks; and Chinook must be 28 inches or larger to be retained.

Within the area adjacent to Tillamook Bay, between Twin Rocks and Pyramid Rock, and inside the 15 fathom depth contour, only adipose fin-clipped Chinook may be retained or on board a vessel while fishing prior to August 1.

Seasons from May 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Rohnert Park, California by April 15.

3/11/15 RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of Oregon, and fishery interests has reviewed the recreational Chinook salmon seasons adopted under the 2014 regulation setting process, and the season scheduled to be open for Chinook salmon from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. will occur as scheduled for the period of March 15, 2015 through April 30, 2015. This season is open for all salmon except Coho Salmon, with a bag limit of two salmon per day, and minimum sizes for Chinook Salmon at 24 inches or larger, and steelhead at 20 inches or larger.

Anglers are restricted to no more than two single point barbless hooks when fishing for salmon, and when fishing for any other species if a salmon is on board the vessel.

Anglers fishing in ocean waters adjacent to Tillamook Bay between Twin Rocks and Pyramid Rock and within the 15 fathom depth contour are reminded that only adipose fin-clipped Chinook Salmon may be retained or on board while fishing prior to August 1.

Seasons from May 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Rohnert Park, California by April 15.

2015 PRE-SEASON PLANNING: OCEAN SALMON MEETING NOTICE: The 2015 Ocean Salmon Industry Group meeting (OSIG) is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2015. This pre-season planning meeting will provide an early look at the 2015 salmon forecasts, and develop Oregon preferred recreational and commercial ocean salmon fishing concepts to take forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) regulation setting process. The OSIG meeting will be held in the downstairs meeting room at the Hallmark Resort, 744 SW Elizabeth Street, Newport.

The OSIG meeting is sponsored by the Oregon Coastal Zone Management Association and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and is open to all ocean sport fishing anglers and charter operators, commercial salmon troll fishers, and any others interested in participating in the development of ocean salmon fishery regulations for the 2015 ocean salmon seasons. Staff from ODFW will provide background materials and presentations and then work with meeting attendees to develop preferred season alternatives to take forward to the Pacific Fishery Management Council's season setting process. Doors open at 9:30 AM with the presentations scheduled to start at 10:00 AM and conclude by 3:30 PM. There will be a lunch break between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, with a no-host lunch available at the Hallmark. Links to the agenda and briefing materials for the meeting will be posted here as they come available in January and February.

The first of the two salmon season setting meetings by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) will be held at the Hilton Vancouver Washington from March 6-12 (301 W. Sixth Street, Vancouver, WA). The meeting in Vancouver will establish a range of alternatives for further review. The final season setting meeting will occur at the DoubleTree by Hilton Sonoma in Rohnert Park, California from April 10-16 (One DoubleTree Drive, Rohnert Park, CA). More information on these meetings can be found at the PFMC's website.

OSIG Attachments (updated 2/24/15). All information should be treated as preliminary, and readers should recognize that updated forecasts and information may be made available in future documents from the Pacific Fishery Management Council:

9/17/14 ACTION NOTICE (2 of 2)- Recreational Ocean Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon.

RATIONALE AND NOTES: The Coho Salmon quota in this area is expected to be met by the end of the day on Sunday, September 21. Recently a transfer of 1,000 non selective Coho from this area was made to the Westport area in order to keep the salmon season open in that area. The Westport area will close to recreational ocean salmon fishing at the end of the day on Friday, September 19. Through a series of shifts of Coho remaining from other commercial and recreational seasons, the 1,000 Coho that had been transferred to Westport has been returned to the Columbia River Area so the full quota within this area was restored back to 10,750 Coho, and then an additional transfer of Coho remaining from the commercial troll salmon fishery resulted in a final non-selective Coho quota of 13,100.

9/17/14 ACTION NOTICE (1 of 2)- Recreational Ocean Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt.

ACTION TAKEN:

Cape Falcon, Oregon to Humbug Mountain, Oregon: Retention of Coho Salmon closes effective 11:59 PM on Friday, September 19, 2014. Retention of all salmon except Coho remains open through October 31, 2014 within this area.

RATIONALE AND NOTES: The non selective Coho Salmon fishery opened in this area on August 30 under an adjusted quota of 35,000 Coho. The season was scheduled to run through the earlier of September 30 or the quota.

The Labor Day Weekend opening presented anglers with optimal ocean conditions and hungry Coho. Fishing has remained excellant through this season with catch rates over a salmon per angler from Newport north throughout the season. Coho catches through Sunday, September 14 totaled 29,500 leaving 5,500 remaining on the quota. Forecasts for catches this week indicated that the quota would be exceeded if the season remained open past Friday.

The recreational Chinook Salmon season remains open through October 31 within the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. Anglers are reminded to be careful in identifying their catch correctly to species.

9/10/14 ACTION NOTICE (1 of 3)- Incidental Troll Pacific Halibut Closes Thursday Night: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the incidental retention of Pacific Halibut in the commercial troll salmon fishery.

ACTION TAKEN: Retention of Pacific Halibut by IPHC permitted salmon troll vessels in all areas South of the US/Canada Border closes effective 11:59PM Thursday, September 11. Vessels in possession of any Pacific Halibut must cease fishing for salmon until all Pacific Halibut have been offloaded. All Pacific Halibut must be landed and delivered no later than 11:59PM Friday, September 12.

9/10/14 ACTION NOTICE (2 of 3) - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.

ACTIONS TAKEN:

The commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 AM, Friday, September 12 through 11:59 PM Tuesday, September 16 (this is the final open period for the 2014 ocean salmon seasons).

Open period landing and possession limits of 15 Chinook Salmon and 200 Coho Salmon (no fin clip requirement) for all areas south of the Queets River to Cape Falcon; and 15 Chinook Salmon and 20 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon for all areas north of the Queets River.

RATIONALE AND NOTES: There are an estimated 843 Chinook remaining on the quota for all areas North of Cape Falcon, but there are 7,287 Coho remaining on the non-mark selective quota. The areas N. of the Queets River have a separate limitation on coho salmon impacts and are excluded from the non-selective coho salmon fishery.

Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR. Mandatory reporting of delivery for all landings into Oregon at 541/867-0300 x271 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Any vessels landing into Garibaldi must be in compliance with the landing and possession limits from both areas which means that no more than 15 Chinook and 15 coho (no more than one coho per Chinook) may be landed from North of Cape Falcon into Garibaldi. In addition, any salmon landed into Garibaldi from the North of Cape Falcon fishery would apply against the landing week limits of 65 Chinook and 20 coho that are in effect for the Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. area.

9/10/14 ACTION NOTICE (3 of 3)- Recreational Ocean Salmon Coho Quota Transfer: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and representatives from the recreational salmon fishery, has taken in-season actions with respect to the recreational ocean salmon quotas in the Westport and Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Areas.

ACTION TAKEN: The recreational non-selective ocean Coho Salmon quota in the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area (Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon) will be reduced from 10,750 to 9,750. The Coho Salmon removed from this quota will be transferred to the Westport Ocean Salmon Management Area (Queets River to Leadbetter Pt.) resulting in a quota increase of 11,400 to 12,400.

RATIONALE: During the most recent week of fishing, anglers out of Westport had landed an estimated 5,388 Coho leaving only 6,012 on the quota. Anglers fishing within the Columbia River Area had landed 3,558 Coho leaving 7,142 Coho on the quota. This transfer is not expected to result in any reduction to the season length in the Columbia River Area, but will help insure that no management action is required in the Westport Area before next week.

9/8/14 CLARIFICATION OF COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON REGULATIONS:

Several questions have come up recently regarding the commercial troll salmon regulations. Please review the following for clarification, and if you have any questions please call the Marine Resources Program at (541)867-4741. In addition, landings from North of Cape Falcon are required to be reported to (541)867-0300 ext. 271 within an hour of delivery, and landings of coho from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. are required to be reported to (541)867-0300 ext. 252 within an hour of delivery.

As in past seasons, the rule listed, C.1, specifies that "All salmon on board a vessel must meet the minimum size, landing/possession limit, or other special requirements for the area being fished and the area in which they are landed if the area is open or has been closed less than 96 hours for that species of salmon."

This rule applies to the current seasons in effect for both Leadbetter Pt., WA to Cape Falcon, OR area where the current open period (Friday-Tuesday) landing and possession limits are 15 Chinook and 100 coho (no fin clip restriction), and Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. area where the current weekly (Wednesday-Tuesday) landing and possession limits are 65 Chinook and 20 coho (no fin clip restriction, but must have at least 1 Chinook for each coho in possession).

The effects of this regulation on a boat fishing North of Cape Falcon and delivering into Garibaldi are that:

The maximum number of Chinook that could be caught and delivered would be 15 (due to the current North of Cape Falcon open period limit of 15 Chinook)

The maximum number of coho that could be caught and delivered would be 15, and there must be at least 1 Chinook for each coho delivered

Since both the Chinook and coho were also in possession South of Cape Falcon, they would also apply against the 65 Chinook and 20 coho weekly limit for the South of Cape Falcon area. This would reduce the vessel's remaining South of Cape Falcon weekly limit to 50 Chinook and 5 coho for the remainder of the Wed-Tues landing week, and the North of Cape Falcon open period limit to 0 Chinook (landed the full open period limit) and 85 coho in this scenario (100 coho open period limit minus 15 already landed)

For a boat fishing South of Cape Falcon and delivering North of Cape Falcon, the regulations have the following effects:

The maximum number of Chinook that could be caught and delivered would be 15 (due to the North of Cape Falcon open period limit of 15 Chinook)

The maximum number of coho that could be caught and delivered would be 15, and there must be at least 1 Chinook for each coho delivered

Since both the Chinook and coho were also in possession North of Cape Falcon, they would apply against both the South of Falcon weekly limit of 65 Chinook and no more than 20 coho, and against the North of Cape Falcon 15 Chinook and 100 coho open period limits. This would reduce the remaining allowable North of Cape Falcon open period limit to 0 Chinook and 85 coho, and the South of Cape Falcon weekly limit to 50 Chinook and 5 coho in this scenario

A fisherman wishing to maximize landings would need to keep fishing trips and deliveries of fish completely separate for Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon area and the Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. area. A fisherman landing catch in either area may transport their catch by truck to a buyer in the other area and only the limits in the area where the fish were landed would be affected. Also note that the only port South of Cape Falcon where salmon from North of Cape Falcon may be landed is Garibaldi.

Landing week delivery requirement: In the Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. area where the Wednesday through Tuesday landing week limitations are in effect, troll fishermen are reminded that any salmon not landed and delivered by Tuesday night count againt the future week's landing and possession limit as well as the current week. For example a vessel returns to port on Tuesday with 25 Chinook and 10 coho salmon, but is unable to offload the catch at the fish buyer until Wednesday morning. That vessel is now limited to 40 Chinook (65-25=40), and 10 coho (20-10=10) for the week starting that Wednesday.

Correct salmon ID: Rumors have surfaced that some buyers have incorrectly identified some coho salmon as Chinook. Troll fishermen are advised that if this occurs, they should correct the buyer or a violation may occur in the total weekly allowable catch. For example a troll fisherman lands 35 Chinook and 15 coho on Friday which would leave a balance of 30 Chinook and 5 coho on their weekly landing and possession limit. However, the buyer incorrectly identifies 10 of the purchased coho as Chinook, and the fish receiving ticket shows a landing of 45 Chinook and 5 coho. This would now leave only a balance of 20 Chinook and 15 coho for the remainder of the week.

Per the intent of the Final Rule (79 FR 28448, May 16, 2014) implementing PBF management measures, NMFS has closely monitored the U.S. commercial catch of PBF in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) to ensure that the U.S. catch limit is not exceeded.

Based on recent communications with California Department of Fish and Wildlife and fishery stakeholders, the U.S. commercial PBF fishery is expected to reach the 2014 catch limit. As a result, NMFS is closing the U.S. commercial PBF fishery in the EPO.

As of 5:00pm PDT on September 5, 2014, U.S. commercial vessels may not target, retain on board, transship, or land Pacific bluefin tuna in the IATTC Convention Area, or EPO, with the following exception: any PBF already on board may be retained, transshipped, and/or landed within 14 days of the closure, or September 19, 2014.

9/4/14 ACTION NOTICE (1 of 2) - Recreational Ocean Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon.

RATIONALE AND NOTES: There are 2,970 Chinook remaining on the quota of 13,100, and fishery managers concluded that the risk of reaching the quota early by allowing 2 Chinook Salmon per angler was now low enough to allow for the change. Similarly, converting the remaining fin clipped Coho Salmon quota to a non selective fishery resulted in a remaining quota of 10,750 Coho, and should be sufficient to allow fishing through the remainder of the month.

Anglers are reminded that they must be in compliance with both the area they are fishing and what they have already retained on board. Currently the Columbia River is closed to retention of Chinook, and only open for adipose fin-clipped Coho and steelhead. Anglers are not allowed to fish for Coho or steelhead inside the Columbia River upstream from Buoy 10 with either a Chinook Salmon or non-clipped Coho Salmon in possession.

9/4/14 ACTION NOTICE (2 of 2) - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.

ACTIONS TAKEN:

The commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 AM, Friday, September 5 through 11:59 PM Tuesday, September 9 (and each subsequent Friday through Tuesday through September 16 unless modified by inseason action).

Open period landing and possession limits of 15 Chinook Salmon and 100 Coho Salmon (no fin clip requirement) for all areas south of the Queets River to Cape Falcon; and 15 Chinook Salmon and 20 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon for all areas north of the Queets River.

RATIONALE AND NOTES: There are only 1,075 Chinook remaining on the quota for all areas North of Cape Falcon, but there are 19,489 Coho remaining on the mark selective quota. By converting the remaining Coho from the mark selective fishery South of the Queets River into non mark selective catch on an impact neutral basis, it allows for subarea allocations of 3,500 Coho to the Westport Ocean Salmon Managment Area (Queets River to Leadbetter Pt.) and 6,400 Coho to the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area (Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon). The open period limits are expected to keep the fishery within management guidelines for this open period, and will be adjusted as needed prior to the final open period scheduled for September 12 through 16.

Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR. Mandatory reporting of delivery for all landings into Oregon at 541/867-0300 x271 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing.

8/27/14 ACTION NOTICE - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.

ACTIONS TAKEN:

The commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 AM, Friday, August 29 through 11:59 PM Tuesday, September 2 (and each subsequent Friday through Tuesday through September 16 unless modified by inseason action).

Open period landing and possession limits of 20 Chinook Salmon and 150 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon for all areas south of the Queets River to Cape Falcon; and 20 Chinook Salmon and 50 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon for all areas north of the Queets River.

Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR. Mandatory reporting of delivery for all landings into Oregon at 541/867-0300 x271 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing.

8/21/14 ACTION NOTICE #2 - Incidental Troll Pacific Halibut: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the incidental retention of Pacific Halibut in the commercial troll salmon fishery.

ACTIONS TAKEN:

(1) In all areas North of Cape Falcon, Oregon retention of Pacific Halibut is limited to 1 Pacific Halibut for each 4 Chinook Salmon except 1 Pacific Halibut may be possessed and landed without meeting the ratio, and no more than 3 Pacific Halibut may be possessed or landed per trip effective 12:01 AM Friday, August 22, 2014.

(2) Retention of Pacific Halibut by IPHC permitted salmon troll vessels in all areas South of Cape Falcon, Oregon is limited to 1 Pacific Halibut for each 4 Chinook Salmon except 1 Pacific Halibut may be possessed and landed without meeting the ratio, and no more than 3 Pacific Halibut may be possessed or landed per trip effective 11:59 PM Friday, August 22. Beginning 12:01 AM Saturday, August 23 any vessels in possession of more than 3 Pacific Halibut must cease all fishing activities until Pacific Halibut in excess of 3 have been landed and delivered. All Pacific Halibut, in excess of 3 per trip, must be landed and delivered no later than 11:59 PM, Saturday, August 23, 2014.

8/21/14 ACTION NOTICE #1 - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.

ACTIONS TAKEN:

The commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 AM, Friday, August 22 through 11:59 PM Tuesday, August 26 (and each subsequent Friday through Tuesday until further notice).

Open period landing and possession limits of 35 Chinook Salmon and 150 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon for all areas South of the Queets River, and 35 Chinook Salmon and 50 adipose fin-clipped Coho for all areas North of the Queets River. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR. Mandatory reporting of delivery for all landings into Oregon at 541/867-0300 x271 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing.

8/18/14 ACTION NOTICE #3 - Recreational Ocean Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Pacific Fishery Management Council has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational ocean salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain.

ACTION TAKEN: There were 31,470 Coho Salmon remaining on the Cape Falcon to the OR/CA Border recreational mark selective quota of 80,000 Coho. An impact neutral transfer of a portion of these Coho resulted in an increase of 15,000 Coho in the August 30 through September 30 Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. recreational non mark selective Coho quota. This increased the quota for this season from 20,000 up to 35,000 Coho Salmon.

RATIONALE: The preseason intent in the ocean salmon season development was to allow for any remaining quota from the summer mark selective season to bolster the September non mark selective season. It was also determined that the September season was unlikely to need more than 35,000 total Coho in September to continue through the entire month. Consideration would be given to transfer any excess quota above the recreational fishery needs for September to the commercial troll salmon fishery for incidental Coho retention during the September 3-30 portion of the remaining Chinook season. Commercial troll salmon vessels will be allowed no more than one Coho for each Chinook landed, up to a maximum of 20 Coho per week. The overall transfer from the summer recreational season resulted in 15,000 Coho added to the recreational quota, and a quota of 5,300 for the commercial troll salmon fishery.

8/18/14 ACTION NOTICE #2 - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain.

ACTIONS TAKEN:

A portion of the remaining June 21 - August 10 recreational mark selective Coho quota which was in excess of projected recreational fishery needs for the September season was transferred on an impact neutral basis to the Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. troll fishery. This transfer results in a September troll quota in this area of 5,300 Coho Salmon (non mark selective).

This season is structured to allow incidental Coho retention for vessels fishing for Chinook.

Beginning September 3 and continuing through the earlier of September 30 or the quota of 5,300 Coho; vessels may land one Coho for each Chinook landed up to a maximum landing week limit of 20 Coho (landing week defined as Wednesday through Tuesday).

All vessels landing any Coho from this season are required to notify Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife of the landing within an hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 252. Notification shall include the vessel name and number, number of Coho being landed, port of landing, location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.

8/18/14 ACTION NOTICE #1 - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon-California Border.

ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon-California Border will re-open for Wednesday and Thursday August 20-21 with a single daily landing and possession limit of 15 Chinook per vessel.

A conference call will be scheduled early next week to assess the landings from this opening and consider whether any additional open days can occur.

Vessels are required to land and deliver all catch from this fishery within 24 hours into the ports of Brookings, Gold Beach, or Port Orford. All vessels landing from this fishery are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 252 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.

Through the most recent opening 348 Chinook had been landed leaving 232 Chinook on the August quota.

8/14/14 UPDATE - Commercial Troll Salmon North of Cape Falcon: The commercial troll salmon season from Leadbetter Pt., WA to Cape Falcon, OR will continue for the next open period of Friday, August 15 through Tuesday, August 19 without any changes to the open period limits of 75 Chinook Salmon and 150 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon.

8/11/14 ACTION NOTICE - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon-California Border.

ACTIONS TAKEN: The following actions have been taken in the commercial troll salmon fishery from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon-California Border scheduled to re-open August 13:

The single daily landing and possession limit remains 15 Chinook per vessel

The open days are adjusted to August 13-15 (Wednesday-Friday of this week only), and remain Wednesday and Thursday of each following week until further notice

A conference call will be scheduled early next week to assess the landings from this opening and consider any additional changes needed

Vessels are required to land and deliver all catch from this fishery within 24 hours into the ports of Brookings, Gold Beach, or Port Orford. All vessels landing from this fishery are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 252 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.

8/7/14 ACTION NOTICE #2 - Incidental Troll Pacific Halibut: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the incidental retention of Pacific Halibut in the commercial troll salmon fishery.

ACTION TAKEN: Retention of Pacific Halibut by IPHC permitted salmon troll vessels in all areas open for Chinook Salmon trolling between the US/Canada Border and the US/Mexico Border are limited to 1 Pacific Halibut for each 4 Chinook Salmon except 1 Pacific Halibut may be possessed and landed without meeting the ratio, and no more than 7 Pacific Halibut may be possessed or landed per trip. This change is effective 12:01 AM Friday, August 8.

RATIONALE: Roughly 2,400 lbs of Pacific Halibut remain on the incidental troll quota. An additional 4,000 lbs has been transferred from the remaining directed hook and line Pacific Halibut fishery quota resulting in a revised quota of approximately 6,400 lbs remaining. Pacific Halibut incidental landings have been relatively low in recent weeks. By increasing the landing cap up to 7 fish per trip, it is expected that the revised quota can be approached with minimal risk of exceeding it.

8/7/14 ACTION NOTICE #1 - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.

ACTIONS TAKEN:

The commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 AM, Friday, August 8 through 11:59 PM Tuesday, August 12 (and each subsequent Friday through Tuesday until further notice).

Open period landing and possession limits of 75 Chinook Salmon and 150 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR.

NOTES AND RATIONALE: Sufficient remaining catch is available on all quotas and caps to allow for this increase. Participating boats off Oregon have been landing more Coho than Chinook, while boats North of Leadbetter have had more success for Chinook than Coho. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.

7/31/14 ACTION NOTICE - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.

ACTIONS TAKEN:

The commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, August 1through Tuesday, August 5 (and each subsequent Friday through Tuesday until further notice).

Open period landing and possession limits of 50 Chinook Salmon and 80 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon south of the Queets R., or 50 Chinook Salmon and 50 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon from north of the Queets River. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR.

NOTES AND RATIONALE: Overall landings have been lagging behind expectations due to reduced participation due to weather conditions and boats switching to fish Albacore Tuna. Sufficient remaining catch is available on all quotas and caps to allow for this increase. Participating boats off Oregon have been landing more Coho than Chinook, while boats off Northern Washington have primarily been doing just the opposite. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.

7/24/14 ACTION NOTICE #2 - Incidental Troll Pacific Halibut: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the International Pacific Halibut Commission, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the incidental retention of Pacific Halibut in the commercial troll salmon fishery.

ACTION TAKEN: Retention of Pacific Halibut by IPHC permitted salmon troll vessels in all areas open for Chinook Salmon trolling between the US/Canada Border and the US/Mexico Border are limited to 1 Pacific Halibut for each 4 Chinook Salmon except 1 Pacific Halibut may be possessed and landed without meeting the ratio, and no more than 3 Pacific Halibut may be possessed or landed per trip. This change is effective 12:01 AM Friday, July 25.

RATIONALE: Roughly 4,000 lbs of Pacific Halibut remain on the incidental troll quota. An additional 4,000 lbs will be transferred from the remaining directed hook and line Pacific Halibut fishery quota resulting in a revised quota of approximately 8,000 lbs remaining. Overall troll salmon effort has been decreasing concurrent with the arrival of Albacore Tuna in the area, and Pacific Halibut incidental landings have also been minimal in recent weeks. By increasing the landing cap up to 3 fish per trip, the revised quota can be approached with minimal risk to exceeding the quota.

7/24/14 ACTION NOTICE (#1)- Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon-California Border.

ACTIONS TAKEN: The following actions have been taken in the commercial troll salmon fishery from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon-California Border scheduled to open August 6:

The single daily landing limit is reduced to 15 Chinook per vessel

The open days are adjusted to August 6-7 (Wednesday-Thursday), and each Wednesday and Thursday until further notice

An impact neutral rollover from Chinook remaining from the June and July quotas increased the August quota from 500 Chinook to 580 Chinook

Vessels are required to land and deliver all catch from this fishery within 24 hours into the ports of Brookings, Gold Beach, or Port Orford. All vessels landing from this fishery are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 252 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.

NOTES AND RATIONALE: Based on recent effort and catch rates in the June and July openings in this area, it was apparent that the August season could not be opened as planned without significant risk of exceeding the quota. By reducing the single daily landing limits and the open days for the fishery, the fishery should be able to proceed in an orderly manner while minimizing the risk of exceeding the quota.

Conference calls will be scheduled on Mondays to consider any possible needed changes or closure to this season.

7/10/14 ACTION NOTICE (amended 7/28/14)- Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.

ACTION TAKEN: The commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, July 11 through Tuesday, July 15 (and each subsequent Friday through Tuesday until further notice), with open period landing and possession limits of 35 Chinook Salmon and 60 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon south of the Queets R., or 35 Chinook Salmon and 40 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon from north of the Queets River. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR.

NOTES AND RATIONALE: The first open period with a 60 Chinook landing and possession limit resulted in 27% of the Chinook quota being landed. Without a significant reduction in the Chinook limit, the fishery has a high risk of closing prior to the season target of at least August 19. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.

7/9/14 UPDATE - Commercial Troll Salmon: The July commercial troll Chinook Salmon season from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon / California Border has less than 100 Chinook remaining on the adjusted July quota of 574 Chinook. The remainder of the quota will be added to the August quota on an impact neutral basis.

In late July, fishery managers plan to meet by conference call to discuss changes to the August fishery including open dates and adjustments to the landing and possession limits.

6/26/14 ACTION NOTICE - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon-California Border.

ACTIONS TAKEN: The following actions have been taken in the commercial troll salmon fishery from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon-California Border scheduled to open July 1:

The single daily landing limit is reduced to 15 Chinook per vessel

The open days are adjusted to July 1-2, and then closed until further notice

An impact neutral rollover from Chinook remaining from the June quota increased the July quota from 500 Chinook to 574 Chinook

Vessels are required to land and deliver all catch from this fishery within 24 hours into the ports of Brookings, Gold Beach, or Port Orford. All vessels landing from this fishery are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 252 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.

NOTES AND RATIONALE: Based on recent effort and catch rates in the June 15 season opening in this area, it was apparent that the July season could not be opened as planned without significant risk of exceeding the quota. By reducing the single daily landing limits and the open days for the fishery, the fishery should be able to proceed in an orderly manner while minimizing the risk of exceeding the quota.

Fishery managers intend to meet early next week to review the landings from the July 1-2 opening, and consider the potential for additional open dates and adjustments to any landing limits for such openings.

6/26/14 UPDATE - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, have discussed the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon and has elected to reopen the fishery with no change.

Therefore, the commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, June 27 through Monday, June 30, with an open period landing and possession limit of 20 Chinook salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR.

Troll fishery participants are advised that their fish must be unloaded by 11:59PM on Monday, June 30 or their catch will apply towards the July 1-8 open period limit of 60 Chinook. Vessels fishing South of the Queets River will also be allowed 60 adipose fin-clipped Coho for the open period, while vessels fishing North of the Queets River will be allowed 40 adipose fin-clipped Coho for the open period.

6/18/14 ACTION NOTICE - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon-California Border.

ACTION TAKEN: The commercial salmon fishery from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon-California Border will close to all troll salmon fishing at 11:59 PM Wednesday, June 18. Vessels are required to land and deliver all catch from this fishery within 24 hours into the ports of Brookings, Gold Beach, or Port Orford. All vessels landing from this fishery are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 252 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.

NOTES AND RATIONALE: This season from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border opened on Sunday, June 15 under a 1,500 Chinook quota. Vessels were limited to single daily landing and possession limits of 30 Chinook. By the end of fishing on June 17, an estimated 81% of the quota had been landed, and it is anticipated that landings today will meet or exceed the quota by the end of today. If any quota remains, it will be added to the July quota on an impact neutral basis; or if a quota overage occurred, it will be deducted from the July quota on an impact neutral basis.

Fishery managers intend to meet sometime next week to make needed adjustments to the July quota and consider additional management measures to the July season in advance of the opening. A fixed set of days for the initial July opening and an adjustment to the daily landing and possession limit are likely to be considered for implementation to better manage the fishery to stay within management objectives.

6/12/14 ACTION NOTICE - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.

ACTION TAKEN:
The commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, June 13 through Tuesday, June 17, with an open period landing and possession limit of 20 Chinook salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR.

NOTES AND RATIONALE: The Friday through Tuesday schedule will continue through June 30 unless modified by another inseason action. All vessels fishing in the area, or in possession of any salmon caught in the area must land and deliver their fish within 24 hours of this closure. Those vessels fishing between Leadbetter Pt., Washington and Cape Falcon, Oregon must land their catch within the area or into the port of Garibaldi. During the most recent open period, which was limited by weather conditions, 1,430 Chinook were landed bringing the total landings for this season up to 35,771 Chinook, and leaving 2,129
remaining on the quota. Without adjustment, the fishery had a reasonable chance of exceeding the remaining quota in this next open period. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.

6/5/14 ACTION NOTICE - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.

ACTIONS TAKEN:

(1) The commercial salmon fishery from the Queets River to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, June 6 through Tuesday, June 10, with an open period landing and possession limit of 40 Chinook salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area or into Garibaldi, OR.

(2) The commercial salmon fishery from the U.S./Canada border to Queets River (Washington state marine areas 3 and 4) will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, June 6 through Tuesday, June 10, with an open period landing and possession limit of 30 Chinook salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of the Queets River may not cross the Queets River line without first notifying WDFW at 360-902-2739 with area fished, total Chinook and halibut catch aboard, and destination. Vessels in possession of salmon south of the Queets River may not cross the Queets River line without first notifying WDFW at 360-902-2739 with area fished, total Chinook and halibut catch aboard, and destination. Vessels may not possess or land more than 30 Chinook salmon north of the Queets River.

NOTE: The Friday through Tuesday schedule will continue through June 30 unless modified by another inseason action. All vessels fishing in the area, or in possession of any salmon caught in the area must land and deliver their fish within 24 hours of this closure. Those vessels fishing between Leadbetter Pt., Washington and Cape Falcon, Oregon must land their catch within the area or into the port of Garibaldi. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.

5/29/14 ACTION NOTICE #2 - Incidental Troll Pacific Halibut: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the International Pacific Halibut Commission, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the incidental retention of Pacific Halibut in the commercial troll salmon fishery.

ACTIONS TAKEN:

(1) Retention of Pacific Halibut by IPHC permitted salmon troll vessels in all areas North of Cape Falcon, Oregon are limited to 1 Pacific Halibut per trip effective 12:01 AM Friday, May 30.

(2) Retention of Pacific Halibut by IPHC permitted salmon troll vessels in all areas South of Cape Falcon, Oregon are limited to 1 Pacific Halibut per trip effective 11:59 PM Friday, May 30. Beginning 12:01 AM Saturday, May 31, any vessels in possession of more than 1 Pacific Halibut must cease all fishing activities until Pacific Halibut in excess of 1 have been landed and delivered. All Pacific Halibut, in excess of 1 per trip, must be landed and delivered no later than 11:59 PM, Saturday, May 31.

RATIONALE: Total Pacific Halibut landings from the commercial troll salmon fishery are estimated at 26,330 lbs. out of the quota of 29,671 lbs. (adjusted for head-off, and ice and slime deductions). With only 3,341 lbs. estimated remaining on the quota, action was required to help insure that the quota was not exceeded. Estimated landings to date are 11,194 lbs. into Oregon and 15,136 lbs. into Washington. April was open off Oregon for Pacific Halibut retention for the first time, and approximately 1,600 lbs. were landed into Oregon during April.

5/29/14 ACTION NOTICE #1 - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.

ACTIONS TAKEN:

(1) The commercial salmon fishery from the Queets River to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, May 30 through Tuesday, June 3, with an open period landing and possession limit of 50 Chinook salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area or into Garibaldi, OR.

(2) The commercial salmon fishery from the U.S./Canada border to Queets River (Washington state marine areas 3 and 4) will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, May 30 through Tuesday, June 3, with an open period landing and possession limit of 40 Chinook salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of the Queets River may not cross the Queets River line without first notifying WDFW at 360-902-2739 with area fished, total Chinook and halibut catch aboard, and destination. Vessels in possession of salmon south of the Queets River may not cross the Queets River line without first notifying WDFW at 360-902-2739 with area fished, total Chinook and halibut catch aboard, and destination. Vessels may not possess or land more than 40 Chinook salmon north of the Queets River.

NOTE: All vessels fishing in the area, or in possession of any salmon caught in the area must land and deliver their fish within 24 hours of this closure. Those vessels fishing between Leadbetter Pt., Washington and Cape Falcon, Oregon must land their catch within the area or into the port of Garibaldi. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.

RATIONALE: Total landings in the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon fishery are estimated at 31,741 Chinook out of the quota of 37,900, leaving 6,159 Chinook to be caught. More than 5,000 Chinook were landed in the last week, and action was needed to insure that the quota will not be exceeded. By setting an open period cap at 50 Chinook in the areas South of the Queets River, it is anticipated that no more than 5,000 Chinook will be landed during this open period. Additional conference calls will be scheduled as needed to review total landings, and consider additional changes as needed to the open fishing days and open period landing and possession limits.

5/22/14 ACTION NOTICE - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.

ACTIONS TAKEN:

(1) The commercial salmon fishery from the Queets River to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, May 23 through Tuesday, May 27, with an open period landing and possession limit of 60 Chinook salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area or into Garibaldi, OR.

(2) The commercial salmon fishery from the U.S./Canada border to Queets River (Washington state marine areas 3 and 4) will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, May 23 through Tuesday, May 27, with an open period landing and possession limit of 40 Chinook salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of the Queets River may not cross the Queets River line without first notifying WDFW at 360-902-2739 with area fished, total Chinook and halibut catch aboard, and destination. Vessels in possession of salmon south of the Queets River may not cross the Queets River line without first notifying WDFW at 360-902-2739 with area fished, total Chinook and halibut catch aboard, and destination. Vessels may not possess or land more than 40 Chinook salmon north of the Queets River.

NOTE: All vessels fishing in the area, or in possession of any salmon caught in the area must land and deliver their fish within 24 hours of this closure. Those vessels fishing between Leadbetter Pt., Washington and Cape Falcon, Oregon must land their catch within the area or into the port of Garibaldi. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.

RATIONALE: Total landings in the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon fishery are estimated at 26,200 Chinook out of the quota of 37,900, leaving 11,650 Chinook to be caught. More than 10,000 Chinook were landed in the last week, and action was needed to insure that the quota will not be exceeded. By setting an open period cap at 60 Chinook in the areas South of the Queets River, it is anticipated that no more than 7,500 Chinook will be landed during this open period. A conference call will be scheduled for Thursday, May 29 to review total landings, and consider additional changes as needed to the open fishing days and open period landing and possession limits.

5/20/14 ACTION NOTICE - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.

ACTION TAKEN: The commercial salmon fishery from the Queets River to Cape Falcon will close at 11:59 PM Tuesday, May 20 (the area from the US/Canada Border to the Queets River is currently restricted to a Friday through Tuesday open period).

NOTE: All vessels fishing in the area, or in possession of any salmon caught in the area must land and deliver their fish within 24 hours of this closure. Those vessels fishing between Leadbetter Pt., Washington and Cape Falcon, Oregon must land their catch within the area or into the port of Garibaldi. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.

RATIONALE: The catches in the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon fishery recently accelerated, and are rapidly approaching the inseason trigger of 28,425 Chinook landed. By closing the fishery at this time, fishery managers will be able to assess the total landings in comparison to the trigger and the overall quota of 37,900 Chinook, and consider adjustments to open days and possible open period limits for the remainder of the May-June season. A second conference call is scheduled for 1:00PM Thursday, May 22 to consider a reopening of the season.

5/7/14 ACTION NOTICE - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to the Queets River.

ACTION TAKEN: The commercial salmon fishery from the U.S./Canada border to Queets River (Washington state marine areas 3 and 4) will close at 12:01 am, Friday, May 9. All vessels fishing in the area, or in possession of any salmon caught in the area north of the Queets River must land and deliver their fish within 24 hours of this closure.

The commercial salmon fishery from the U.S./Canada border to Queets River (Washington state marine areas 3 and 4) will reopen at 12:01 am, Saturday, May 10 through Tuesday, May 13, with an open period landing and possession limit of 50 Chinook salmon. Thereafter, open Friday through Tuesday with a landing and possession limit of 50 Chinook salmon per vessel, per open period. Vessels in possession of salmon north of the Queets River may not cross the Queets River line without first notifying WDFW at 360-902-2739 with area fished, total Chinook and halibut catch aboard, and destination. Vessels in possession of salmon south of the Queets River may not cross the Queets River line without first notifying WDFW at 360-902-2739 with area fished, total Chinook and halibut catch aboard, and destination. Vessels may not possess or land more than 50 Chinook salmon north of the Queets River.

RATIONALE: A subarea quota of 12,200 Chinook was instituted for the 2014 season for waters North of the Queets River in the May-June commercial troll salmon fishery. An additional management action trigger was set at 9,150 Chinook. The fishery is rapidly approaching the management trigger, and action was required in order to meet the management guidelines.

4/9/14 OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The Pacific Fishery Management Council completed recreational and commercial ocean salmon season development for all seasons from May 1, 2014 through April 30, 2015. Summary graphics of the adopted seasons are available in the links at the top of this page. Note that seasons from May 1 forward are not final until approved by both the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission and the National Marine Fisheries Service.

COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE - INCIDENTAL PACIFIC HALIBUT AUTHORIZED : Effective immediately, commercial salmon trollers possessing an IPHC license may retain halibut caught incidental to commercial salmon fishing in April 2014. As previously announced, the landing and possession limits are no more than 1 Pacific halibut per each 4 Chinook , except 1 Pacific halibut may be possessed or landed without meeting the ratio requirement, and no more than 12 Pacific halibut may be possessed or landed per trip. Halibut retained must be no less than 32 inches in total length, measured from the tip of the lower jaw, with the mouth closed, to the extreme end of the middle of the tail, and must be landed with the head on.

The 2014 Halibut Catch Sharing Plan (CSP), that includes the allocation for incidental halibut retention in the commercial salmon fishery (incidental halibut), files with the Office of the Federal Register, and becomes effective, today, April 1, 2014.

3/29/14 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE - INCIDENTAL PACIFIC HALIBUT RETENTION SUSPENDED: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced this afternoon that due to a delay in the implementation of the Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan (CSP), that the retention of Pacific Halibut in the salmon troll fishery in Area 2A that was scheduled to begin on April 1, is suspended until further notice.

The length of the delay in the allowed retention is anticipated to be brief, but the actual implementation date and time of the CSP cannot be accurately predicted. Troll fishery participants are advised to check the NMFS hotline at (800)662-9825 or listen to USCG Notice to Mariner broadcasts over the VHF for updates. This page will also be updated with any changes to the status of Pacific Halibut retention.

3/11/14 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of Oregon, and fishery representatives has taken the following in-season management actions to modify the previously scheduled March 15 commercial troll Chinook Salmon opening off Oregon:

The area between Cape Falcon and the Oregon/California Border will not open for commercial troll salmon fishing for the period of March 15 through March 31. The area will open for commercial troll Chinook Salmon fishing for the period of April 1 - 30. Fishery managers agreed that this was needed to reduce impacts on Klamath River fall Chinook in order to provide more flexibility in the other season options that are under development. Vessels are limited to no more than four spreads per wire, and Chinook must be 28 inches or larger to be retained.

Within the area adjacent to Tillamook Bay, between Twin Rocks and Pyramid Rock, and inside the 15 fathom depth contour, only adipose fin clipped Chinook may be retained or on board a vessel while fishing.

Seasons from May 1, 2014 through April 30, 2015 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Vancouver, Washington by April 10.

3/11/14 RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of Oregon, and fishery interests has reviewed the recreational Chinook salmon seasons adopted under the 2013 regulation setting process, and the season scheduled to be open for Chinook salmon from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. will occur as scheduled for the period of March 15 through April 30. All retained Chinook salmon must be 24 inches or larger.

Anglers fishing in ocean waters adjacent to Tillamook Bay between Twin Rocks and Pyramid Rock and within the 15 fathom depth contour are reminded that only adipose fin clipped Chinook salmon may be retained or on board while fishing.

Seasons from May 1, 2014 through April 30, 2015 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Vancouver, Washington by April 10.

3/11/14 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of Oregon, and fishery representatives has taken the following in-season management actions to modify the previously scheduled April 1 through April 30 landing limits and ratio requirements for the retention of Pacific Halibut caught incidentally in the ocean commercial troll Chinook salmon seasons between Cape Falcon and the Oregon/California Border as specified below:

Incidental troll Halibut license holders may land or possess no more than one Pacific Halibut per each four Chinook Salmon except one Pacific Halibut may be possessed or landed without meeting the ratio requirement, and no more than 12 Pacific Halibut may be possessed or landed per trip. All retained Pacific Halibut must be no less than 32 inches in total length (head-on).

Seasons from May 1, 2014 through April 30, 2015 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Vancouver, Washington by April 10.

EARLY SEASON REMINDERS - February 20, 2014: The early 2014 ocean salmon seasons (prior to May 1) were set under the 2013 season setting process. These early seasons, including opening dates, may be modified by inseason action by NOAA Fisheries at the March Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting (March 8-13, 2014). At this point in time, the following seasons are scheduled for the period prior to May 1, 2014:

Recreational Ocean Salmon - Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain: Open March 15 through April 30 for all salmon except Coho. All other regulations including length limits, bag limits, gear restrictions, and area restrictions from the 2013 ocean salmon regulations are in effect.

Commercial Ocean Troll Salmon - Cape Falcon to Oregon/California Border: Open March 15 through April 30 for all salmon except Coho. All other regulations including length limits, gear restrictions, and area restrictions from the 2013 ocean salmon regulations are in effect.

Incidental Commercial Troll Pacific Halibut: Beginning April 1, during open salmon seasons, holders of an International Pacific Halibut Commission incidental halibut harvest license may land or possess no more than one Pacific Halibut per each three Chinook, except one Pacific Halibut may be possessed or landed without meeting the ratio requirement, and no more than 15 halibut may be possessed or landed per trip. Pacific Halibut retained must be no less than 32 inches in total length. All halibut must be caught while trolling for salmon.

2014 PRE-SEASON PLANNING: OCEAN SALMON MEETING NOTICE: The 2014 Ocean Salmon Industry Group meeting (OSIG) is scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2014. This pre-season planning meeting will provide an early look at the 2014 salmon forecasts, and develop Oregon preferred recreational and commercial ocean salmon fishing concepts to take forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) regulation setting process. The OSIG meeting will be held in the downstairs meeting room at the Hallmark Resort, 744 SW Elizabeth Street, Newport.

The OSIG meeting is sponsored by the Oregon Coastal Zone Management Association and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and is open to all ocean sport fishing anglers and charter operators, commercial salmon troll fishers, and any others interested in participating in the development of ocean salmon fishery regulations for the 2014 ocean salmon seasons. Staff from ODFW will provide background materials and presentations and then work with meeting attendees to develop preferred season alternatives to take forward to the Pacific Fishery Management Council's season setting process. Doors open at 9:30 AM with the presentations scheduled to start at 10:00 AM and conclude by 3:30 PM. There will be a lunch break between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, with a no-host lunch available at the Hallmark. Links to the agenda and briefing materials for the meeting will be posted here as they come available in February.

The first of the two salmon season setting meetings by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Sacramento, CA from March 7-13 (2001 Point West Way, Sacramento, CA). The meeting in Sacramento will establish a range of alternatives for further review. The final season setting meeting will occur at the Hilton Vancouver Washington from April 4-10 (301 W. Sixth Street, Vancouver, WA). More information on these meetings can be found at the PFMC's website.

1/17/14 ACTION NOTICE - INCIDENTAL TROLL HALIBUT (update from IPHC on 1/23/14): The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) has set the incidental troll salmon Pacific Halibut quota for Area 2A (Washington, Oregon, and California) at 29,671 lbs for the 2014 season.

The retention of Pacific Halibut is allowed beginning April 1 only in open salmon seasons by licensed troll salmon vessels that have been issued an incidental Pacific Halibut harvest license. Applications for 2014 licenses received by the IPHC must be postmarked by March 17, 2014 (this is an exception for 2014 since March 15 falls on a weekend). Applications are currently available for download from the IPHC website at

From April 1 to 30 in open salmon seasons, holders of the IPHC incidental Pacific Halibut license may land or possess no more than one Pacific halibut per each three Chinook, except one Pacific halibut may be possessed or landed without meeting the ratio requirement, and no more than 15 halibut may be possessed or landed per trip. Pacific halibut retained must be no less than 32 inches in total length (with head on).

Note: Although the troll salmon season from Cape Falcon to the Oregon/California border is scheduled to start on March 15, 2014, this season may be modified by inseason action at the March 8-13 Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) meeting in Sacramento, CA. Final ocean salmon seasons for the period of May 1, 2014 through April 30, 2015 will be set at the April 4-9 PFMC meeting in Vancouver, WA.

Project Overview

The Ocean Sampling Project (Ocean Salmon Management Program (OSMP)) monitors ocean commercial and recreational salmon fisheries for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). The project collects and analyzes data from Oregon's commercial and recreational ocean salmon fisheries, including catch and fishing effort, recovers coded wire tags (CWTs), and gathers average weight data from commercial salmon landings.The program uses data from these and other sources to assist in the develop of management recommendations for the best use of Oregon's salmon resources, and to evaluate proposed ocean salmon fishery regulations.

The Ocean Sampling Project is made up of two sub-units: The Commercial Troll Salmon Project (CTSP) and the Ocean Recreational Boat Survey (ORBS). ORBS collects the information needed to manage Oregons's ocean sport fisheries, while the CTSP gathers needed information for management of the ocean commercial salmon seasons.

ORBS makes estimate effort and catch in the ocean recreational boat fishery. The ORBS estimates total ocean sport effort by boat type (charter and private), and interviews are conducted randomly of ocean boats to generate estimates of catch for both salmon and non-salmon species. All sampled salmon are examined for the presence of a CWT. Additional biological data are collected from salmon and non-salmon species, and anglers are also interviewed regarding released fish species.

The Ocean Sampling Project is staffed by a project leader and an assistant project leader at Newport, and two sampling coordinators; one each at Tillamook and Charleston. The sampling coordinators serve as liaison between field samplers, fishery participants, and program staff at Newport; deliver data and coded wire tags to Newport; and also provide additional sampling when needed. We regularly sample fishery landings at all primary Oregon coastal ports, utilizing approximately 20 to 30 seasonal samplers.

Do you have a question or comment for ODFW? Contact ODFW's Public Service Representative at: odfw.info@state.or.us
Do you want to enter your opinion about a specific issue into the public record? Contact: odfw.comments@state.or.us